The present invention relates to a cross-linker for photoresist compositions which is suitable for a photolithography process using KrF (248 mn), ArF (193 mn), E-beam, ion beam or EUV light sources. Preferred cross-linkers, according to the present invention, comprise a copolymer of (i) a compound represented by following Chemical Formula 1 and/or (ii) one or more compound(s) selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and maleic anhydride. ##STR1## wherein, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 individually represent straight or branched C.sub.1-10 alkyl, straight or branched C.sub.1-10 ester, straight or branched C.sub.1-10 ketone, straight or branched C.sub.1-10 carboxylic acid, straight or branched C.sub.1-10 acetal, straight or branched C.sub.1-10 alkyl including at least one hydroxyl group, straight or branched C.sub.1-10 ester including at least one hydroxyl group, straight or branched C.sub.1-10 ketone including at least one hydroxyl group, straight or branched C.sub.1-10 carboxylic acid including at least one hydroxyl group, and straight or branched C.sub.1-10 acetal including at least one hydroxyl group; and R.sub.3 represents hydrogen or methyl.